Abstract: A chemically-enhanced primer is provided comprising a negatively charged moiety (NCM), an oligonucleotide sequence having a) non-nuclease resistant inter-nucleotide linkages or b) at least one nuclease resistance inter-nucleotide linkage. The chemically-enhanced primer can be used for sequencing and fragment analysis. Methods for synthesizing the chemically-enhanced primer as well as a method of preparing DNA for sequencing, a method of sequencing DNA, and kits containing the chemically-enhanced primer are also provided. The method of sequencing DNA can comprise contacting amplification reaction products with the composition wherein excess amplification primer is degraded by the nuclease and the chemically-enhanced primer is essentially non-degraded.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for a programmable medical wire that can be preprogrammed, and controlled and reshaped upon command. The system can include a power supply, a controller, and a multilayered wire assembly. The wire assembly includes a core conductor, actuator conductors coupled to the core conductor, selective conductors formed adjacent the core conductor and the actuator conductors, and a protective biocompatible shield around the layers. The selective conductors can be energized to activate the actuator conductors and cause the actuator conductors to bend or twist in a preprogrammed manner. By selectively controlling the direction of movement of the actuator conductors, the wire assembly can be remotely guided through body passageways to the target. Auxiliary equipment such as sensors, micro cameras, detectors, cutters, and other equipment can also be coupled to the wire assembly, and controlled and communicated with through one or more of the selective conductors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a plastic dispenser apparatus for dispensing plastic bags. In one embodiment, a plastic dispensing apparatus comprises a base panel, at least first and second side panels, each having a substantially linear edge and a substantially nonlinear edge and each rotatably connected to the base panel along the respective substantially linear edges, a fastening mechanism for securing the first side panel to the second side panel along at least a section of the substantially nonlinear edges of each panel, and an aperture created at the junction of the substantially nonlinear edges of the first side panel and the nonlinear edge of the second side panel. In another embodiment, a plastic dispensing apparatus further comprises a means for preventing rolling by a living hinge situated along at least one of the first and second side panels are connected to the base panel.